In Memory of Sandy Hook

What happened at Sandy Hook Elementary School weighs heavily on our nation. I see such divisiveness online and in the news from people passionate about how to improve things. May we each be patient with one another, knowing that we are all speaking from conviction and wanting to see positive change. However, wouldn’t it be most honoring to rally together and honor these lives in whatever way we can? And to examine ourselves and live in light of the reality of eternity?

This horrific incident should cause us all to stop and consider what truly matters in this life. Last night Hubby and I had a heartfelt discussion with Sunshine Head about eternity and why Christ came to earth; to bridge the gap between God and us (in our sinful state). See 2 Corinthians 5
This conversation happened in part because of the realization that this time on earth is fleeting and we don’t always have as much time as we expected we might. Sometimes we feel we have a lifetime to work things out, but that is not always the case. I say this not to cause fear, but to inspire us all to make the most of each day.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 “He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.
(NLT)

In light of Sandy Hook, I am reminded to pause…
to be more patient
to love more deeply and fully
to not assume tomorrow is a given
to keep trusting God
to be more thankful
to slow down and really live full

I read these verses the other day and they brought hope and strength in light of all this…

1 Chronicles 29:11-12 “Thine, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O LORD, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all. Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone.”
(NASB version)

My friend Rachel shared this on facebook: “While shopping at Target today, a woman came
and asked if she could pay my bill! She wanted to be a blessing in
memory of a little boy named Daniel who was killed in the shootings at
Sandy Hook Elementary…I can’t even tell you how shocked and blessed I
was by this woman! I am so thankful and humbled by the kindness that is
being extended through this tragedy! Thankful that I could extend that
same blessing to someone else in memory of those victims…anyone want
to join me?”
Join Rachel in doing 26 random acts of kindness in honor of these 26 lives lost last Friday. I would also add Nancy and Adam to the list, because their lives were lost as well. So 28. Would you consider honoring these lives in some way, large or small?

When thinking about what I could do to honor these lives, I thought back over the last blog post…what is the best gift I can give Jesus for Christmas? Myself. A way I can offer myself is in song, reflection and exhortation…so, although it feels very small and lacking…here is a rendition of “This is My Father’s World” to honor these precious lives.

I chose this song for a few reasons…first it is a great reminder that this world is indeed His; He is still on the throne and Sovereign even when our finite minds cannot grasp the “whys” and “reasons”. I also chose this song for this great line, “This is my Father’s world, O let me ne’er forget; that though the wrong seems oft’ so strong, God is the ruler yet.”

MEET KATIE

Hi, I'm Katie (a Modern Martha, wife, and mom to five). I'm so glad you're here! Let's enjoy some cut-to-the-chase conversation over hot or iced tea, as we find grace in the unraveling of life (together). Let's exchange try-hard striving for hope-filled freedom as we settle into our position as a doer and a daughter—created by a Loving Father.